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Biblical Theological Perspective

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Adriel Catalan Boctolan
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6 views3 pages

Biblical Theological Perspective

Uploaded by

Adriel Catalan Boctolan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Biblical Theological Perspective

From a Biblical-theological perspective, the issue of plastic waste accumulation,

especially in coastal areas, speaks to the broader call to stewardship in Christian teachings.

Genesis 1:26 which states that “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them

have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock

and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” it emphasizes

humanity's responsibility to "have dominion" over the earth, which is understood not as

exploitation, but as a duty to care for and protect creation. In the context of plastic pollution,

particularly in Philippine coastal communities, improper waste disposal can be seen as a failure

to follow this duty.

Plastic waste harms marine life, damages livelihoods that depend on fishing, and

degrades the beauty of God's creation, reflecting poorly on humanity’s role as caretakers.

Romans 8:19-23 further suggests that creation itself is groaning or experiencing pain under the

weight of human sin, yearning for restoration. This can be interpreted as a call to action, urging

communities to seek ways to reduce waste, improve disposal practices, and adopt sustainable

habits.

In the Philippines, where many communities live by the coast and rely on its resources,

the impact of plastic waste becomes a matter of both environmental and social justice. Those

who are often most affected by pollution are marginalized communities with fewer resources to

combat its effects. By addressing plastic waste responsibly, individuals and communities fulfill a

Biblical call to care for the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40) “"And the King will answer them,

‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’" The
king there refers to Jesus and the phrase “least of these” refers to the people who are vulnerable

including individuals who will be affected by the pollution in the coastal areas.

Addressing plastic pollution is more than an environmental issue it’s a moral

responsibility. For Christians, it’s a chance to reflect on their relationship with creation, others,

and God. Choosing responsible waste practices and eco-friendly habits becomes an act of faith,

aligning with Biblical values of stewardship, justice, and compassion.

From an ethical standpoint, addressing plastic waste especially in vulnerable coastal

communities aligns closely with principles of responsibility, justice, and respect for creation.

Ethics calls us to consider the consequences of our actions and to live in ways that do not harm

others or the environment. When we ignore the impact of plastic waste, particularly in places like

the Philippines, we contribute to a cycle of harm that affects marine life, disrupts local

economies, and endangers the health of marginalized communities.

The ethical principle of stewardship, rooted in Biblical teachings, reminds us that we are

not owners of the earth but caretakers, entrusted with its care for future generations. This

perspective demands that we take responsibility for our waste, recognizing that our consumption

choices have far-reaching effects on the ecosystem and on people who may lack the means to

manage pollution.

Additionally, justice requires us to protect those most affected by pollution—often

impoverished coastal communities with limited resources to deal with the consequences of

plastic waste. Ethical teachings urge us to "love our neighbor as ourselves" (Mark 12:31), which

means working to prevent harm to our neighbors caused by pollution and environmental

degradation.
In respecting creation, we honor the interconnectedness of all life, acknowledging that

our choices reflect through the ecosystems on which all life depends. This ethical view compels

us to reduce waste, practice sustainable habits, and advocate for policies that mitigate plastic

pollution. In doing so, we embody a commitment to both ecological justice and moral integrity,

ensuring our actions contribute to a world that values and preserves life for all creation.

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